The Livable Communities Initiative (LCI) aims to improve communities’ quality of life through sustainable, accessible, and vibrant development. LCI provides technical assistance to neighborhoods, helping them address livability challenges like housing, transportation, and economic growth. Neighborhoods that receive this assistance will later be eligible for funding to implement infrastructure projects.

This program allows R1 to promote community well-being, inclusivity, and long-term economic sustainability. The second LCI application round opens on June 2, 2025. Updates will be shared on R1’s social media platforms and website to keep the community informed about upcoming developments and the opening of the next application round.

LCI includes two components: (1) Technical Assistance and (2) Implementation.

1. Technical Assistance (TA) allows neighborhood organizations in the Rockford region to apply for planning support from R1. This support focuses on improving middle neighborhoods by balancing high-quality transportation, diverse housing options, vibrant community spaces, and sustainable economic growth. TA recipients will complete a planning document outlining a path for a stronger neighborhood.

2. Implementation is available exclusively to communities that have successfully completed a neighborhood plan. These neighborhoods may collaborate with their local municipality to advance the infrastructure projects outlined in the plan.

LCI intends to stabilize and reinvigorate middle neighborhoods - communities that are teetering between growth and decline. Typically, they are home to middle- and working-class families.

Middle neighborhoods are especially vulnerable to economic decline because local and federal resources are often designated for downtown revitalization and “distressed neighborhood” projects. Without dedicated resources for middle neighborhoods, job availability can decrease, housing can continue to become outdated, and housing markets in those areas can shrink. Local jurisdictions often lack additional resources to invest in these neighborhoods.

LCI intends to address this gap by providing planning support and funds to restore these vulnerable areas.

The goals of LCI are inspired by the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities’ six livability principles:

1. Provide more transportation choices
2. Promote equitable, affordable housing
3. Enhance economic competitiveness
4. Support existing communities
5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment
6. Value communities and neighborhoods